Tracing the history of sports in India to centuries back, Nandini Rao dwells on how it has become a part of urban and rural landscape. Integral to the country’s economy and tourism, it has also become a platform for marketing sports products. Sports build a feeling of nationalism and togetherness in people, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. They also promote physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle, contributing to overall well-being. Sports have always held immense importance in the social and cultural ethos of India. From traditional games played in rural villages to the modern sports arenas that grace…
Author: shubhangi
Anushka Singh points how cricket has overshadowed its original colonial flavour to become a national obsession and a binding force for the people of the country. Once played in presidency and gymkhana clubs, it has become sports’ greatest money spinner. It has emerged as a unifying force that brings people from diverse backgrounds, states, and cultures together, bridging social and cultural divides. Cricket has come a long way from its origins as a game played by the British in India during the colonial era to becoming a national obsession that brings people from all walks of life together. It…
Sports and controversies might be thought of as anti-thesis of each other but with so much – pride, prestige and money – at stake, they go hand-in-hand. Ruchi Verma points out that it is a phenomenon witnessed across the world with sporting nations courting unseemly controversies that highlight the complexities and challenges these incidents pose to the sports ecosystem. Match-fixing, doping and failure to comply with regulations are known to take away the sheen from fair contests. Sports and controversy have a long-standing relationship that transcends geographical boundaries even in the world of sports. It is a phenomenon that has…
Even as other sporting events have their own importance and fan base; hockey has always been associated for its patent Indian ethos. In her essay, Kriti Kalra highlights the high and low trajectory of this sport. Despite its glorious past, Indian hockey witnessed a steady decline in subsequent decades. Factors like synthetic turf, changes in coaching methodologies, and administrative mismanagement contributed to the erosion of India’s hockey supremacy. Hockey holds a special place in the hearts of Indians, deeply intertwined with the nation’s history and identity. From its golden era of dominance to periods of decline and resurgence, the journey…
While modern-day games hog limelight for plausible reasons, the country cannot shed its rich sporting heritage where sports have made a yeoman’s contribution in giving India a distinct identity despite diversity. Gauravi Patel finds India’s sporting history originating from the Indus Valley Civilization and says some games like Snakes and Ladders, Chess, and Cards remain rooted in the Indian psyche. The rich sporting heritage of India speaks volumes about the nation’s deep-rooted cultural and historical traditions. From ancient times, sports have played a significant role in shaping India’s identity and furthering unity among its diverse population. India’s sporting history dates…
Cricket may have held its fort as India’s reigning sport but athletics are now seeing a welcome surge in recent years. Sayali Karade says, athletics, earlier a symbol of physical prowess, has seen subtle and refined changes as structured efforts were made to promote track and field events. Indian athletics is undergoing a renaissance, fuelled by the passion and determination of its athletes. Verdict: The future holds promise for further glory on the global stage. India, a nation deeply entrenched in cricket fervour, has seen a remarkable surge in its passion for athletics in recent years. Track and field events,…
Describing Combat Sports as a comparatively recent phenomenon, Harshita Singh says these have gained traction with India making its mark globally. Through major events, top performers, world champions and Olympic medallists, these sports have left an indelible mark on both athletic and cultural landscapes, captivating audiences with their thrilling displays of skill, courage, and determination. Combat sports like boxing, wrestling, martial arts and others have a rich history that spans centuries, evolving from their traditional forms into organised, regulated competitions. They also hold immense cultural significance in India. In recent years, combat sports have gained popularity and recognition. Indian sportspersons…
Listing the challenges and opportunities that badminton faces in India, Neeti Prakash observes that despite limited resources and infrastructure, Indian players began to make their mark on the international stage. Through clubs and associations, the sport has made a gradual headway to become a sought-after game. Citing some prominent names that have brought glory to the country, she says it is heartening that BAI’s efforts are being fructified by promising talent. The history of badminton in India is as intriguing as the sport itself. From its humble beginnings to becoming a powerhouse in international competitions, the journey of badminton in…
Known for its ornate havelis and majestic forts among other royal grandeur, Mandawa is a quaint little town in Rajasthan’s culturally vibrant Jhunjhunu district. In the heart of the Shekhawati region, the place with its glorious Rajput history, is also known for its affluent families who have historically played a significant role in the region’s cultural, social, and economic development. Owing to its royal rendition, it is also a hotspot for movie shoots. Shikha Hazarika takes a detour! Beneath the vast azure skies of Rajasthan lies a town steeped in mystique, where time dances to the rhythm of heritage and…
“The biggest challenge in this industry is to create your own legacy of trust and goodwill of clients.” Pune-based, 24-year-old part ACCA qualified Karneet Kaur Narang, ventured into the world of gemmology to gain a skill where her creativity and knowledge of finance administration could be put to use. Bored of a desk job, she quit to start her own jewellery business. While her firm KAJEWELS believes in creating bespoke jewellery using different gemstones for its clients, her personal favourite is the diamond. Karneet Kaur Narang in conversation with A.Radhakrishnan. Who is a gemmologist? A gemmologist is a person who…